Abstract:

In a RAM 1-3, a data area and a current memory are provided. A signal
processing portion 1-10 processes audio signals in accordance with a
parameter set stored in the current memory. In the data area, a plurality
of S data sets each formed of a parameter set and an S list which is a
list of S data sets are stored. Each S data set is identified by its
unique identification information (SID). The S list stores list
information including SIDs which identify the respective S data sets.
When storage of the parameter set stored in the current memory is
desired, a new SID is generated, so that list information including the
generated SID is added to the S list, with the SID being added to the
parameter set of the current memory to be stored as a new S data set in
the data area.

Claims:

1. An audio apparatus comprising:a current memory for storing a parameter
set formed of a plurality of parameters;a change portion for changing a
value of a parameter of the parameter set stored in the current memory in
accordance with a request for change;an audio signal processing portion
for processing an input audio signal in accordance with the parameter set
stored in the current memory and outputting the processed audio signal;a
setting data memory for storing a plurality of setting data sets each
having the same configuration as that of the parameter set and being
identified by a unique ID given to the setting data set;a list memory for
storing the plurality of IDs which identify the setting data sets stored
in the setting data memory in a manner in which the IDs are correlated
with data numbers, respectively;a storage portion for responding to a
request for storage with a data number being specified, the storage
portion creating, in a case where an ID correlated with the specified
data number is not stored in the list memory, a unique ID and storing the
parameter set stored in the current memory in the setting data memory as
a setting data set which is to be identified by the created unique ID as
well as storing the created unique ID in the list memory in a manner in
which the ID is correlated with the specified data number; the storage
portion overwriting, in a case where an ID correlated with the specified
data number is stored in the list memory, the parameter set stored in the
current memory with a setting data set stored in the setting data memory
and identified by the ID; anda call portion for responding to a call
request with a data number being specified, the call portion reading, in
a case where an ID correlated with the specified data number is stored in
the list memory, a setting data set identified by the ID from the setting
data memory and overwriting the parameter set stored in the current
memory with the read setting data set.

2. An audio apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:a write
portion for writing into a certain storage medium, in response to a
request for writing of a list, a list file which stores the plurality of
IDs stored in the list memory and a plurality of setting data files each
storing a setting data set stored in the setting data memory and
identified by the ID given to the setting data set.

3. An audio apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising:a storage
medium in which a list file which stores a plurality of IDs and a
plurality of setting data files each storing a setting data set
identified by the ID given to the setting data set are written; andan
additional read portion for reading, in response to a request for
additional reading of a list, the plurality of IDs stored in the list
file from the storage medium to read out, in a case where the list memory
does not have an ID included in the read IDs, the setting data set
identified by the ID that is not included in the list memory from the
storage medium to store the read setting data set in the setting data
memory, as well as storing the ID in the list memory in a manner in which
the ID is correlated with an unused data number.

4. An audio apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising:a new read
portion for deleting, in response to a request for newly reading of a
list, the IDs stored in the list memory and the plurality of setting data
sets stored in the setting data memory, and also reading from the storage
medium the plurality of IDs stored in the list file to read out setting
data sets identified by the IDs from the storage medium to store the read
setting data sets in the setting data memory, as well as storing the IDs
in the list memory in a manner in which the IDs are correlated with
unused data numbers, respectively.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of the Invention

[0002]The present invention relates to an audio apparatus having a
processing portion which processes audio signals in accordance with a
parameter set.

[0003]2. Description of the Related Art

[0004]As an audio apparatus having a processing portion which processes
audio signals, conventionally, a digital mixer for use in a concert hail
and the like has been known such as Japanese Unexamined Patent
Publication No. 2004-56332 and Japanese Patent Publication No. 4001121,
which adjusts the level and frequency response of audio signals output
from a multiplicity of microphones, an electric/electronic musical
instrument and the like to mix the adjusted audio signals to send the
mixed audio signals to a power amplifier. A manipulator of the digital
mixer controls the tone volume and the tone color of respective audio
signals indicative of musical tones of musical instruments and vocals by
manipulating various kinds of panel controls of the digital mixer in
order to realize optimal musical performance. By the manipulator's
control, respective parameter values of a parameter set for audio signal
processing are optimally adjusted. The digital mixer has a plurality of
input channels serving as channels for inputting signals, buses for
mixing signals output from the input channels, and output channels
serving as channels for outputting the mixed signals. The respective
input channels control the frequency response, the mixing level and the
like of the input signals and then output the controlled signals to the
mixing buses, respectively, whereas the respective mixing buses mix the
input signals and then output the mixed signal to corresponding output
channels. The outputs from the output channels are amplified to be
emitted as tones from speakers and the like.

[0005]The conventional digital mixer stores, in a current memory, a
parameter set formed of parameters for signal processing provided for
respective channels, the parameters being set by use of controls such as
faders, knobs, buttons, switches, mouse and joysticks provided on a
panel. The parameter set stored in the current memory can be stored as a
scene in a scene memory. Each scene is given a scene number to be stored,
so that the manipulator can designate a scene number in order to recall a
corresponding scene. In response to the manipulator's recall
manipulation, the scene having the designated scene number is read out,
so that the digital mixer can reproduce settings defined by the scene.
Therefore, the conventional digital mixer is able to reproduce various
kinds of scenes such as conference rooms, banquet halls, mini theaters
and multi-purpose halls which the manipulator has once set. The number of
scenes which can be stored in a scene memory provided with areas for
storing a plurality of scenes varies according to the type of digital
mixer. For example, the number of scenes which can be stored in a scene
memory is 100. In this example, when the manipulator desires to store
scenes in the scene memory, the manipulator is to designate unused scene
numbers selected from among scene numbers 1 to 100 before storing the
scenes in the scene memory. Consequently, the scenes are stored in the
areas of the designated scene numbers, respectively, so that the scenes
stored in the scene memory can be identified by their scene numbers,
respectively. When the manipulator desires to recall a scene from the
scene memory, the manipulator designates the scene which he desires to
recall by identifying the scene number of the scene. As a result, the
scene which the manipulator desires to recall is read out from the scene
memory, so that a parameter set of the read scene is provided for the
current memory. In addition, the conventional digital mixer has an event
list function. An event list provided by the event list function stores a
plurality of event sets each having an event indicating, by a scene
number, a scene recalled when a trigger condition is satisfied and an
event number indicative of the order in which the event is executed. By
the event list function, scenes recalled on the basis of the event list
are sequentially set on the digital mixer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006]To the conventional digital mixer, a personal computer (hereafter
referred to as a "PC") can be connected to allow a user to control the
digital mixer from the PC. In this case, by installing, on the PC, a
mixer control application which allows the PC to edit scenes off-line,
the user is able to edit the scenes on the PC off-line by use of the
mixer control application without connecting the PC to the digital mixer.
The user is also able to store the edited scenes in a scene memory of the
PC. In order to store the scenes, the user designates unused scene
numbers to store the scenes in areas of the designated scene numbers.
Then, the user connects the PC to the digital mixer to write the scenes
stored in the scene memory of the PC into the scene memory of the digital
mixer. By such procedures, the scenes edited on the PC are provided for
the digital mixer.

[0007]On the digital mixer, furthermore, the user is able to select an
event list from among a plurality of event lists to read the selected
event list. The selected event list is read into a working memory. In a
case where all scenes which are to be recalled by the newly read event
list are not read into the working memory, it is necessary to
additionally read the scenes which have not been read yet into the
working memory. However, because the scene numbers given to the scenes
for identification of the scenes are selected from unused numbers at the
time of storage of the scenes, there is a possibility of overlaps between
the scene numbers of scenes which already exist in the working memory and
the scene numbers of the additionally read scenes. On the additional
reading of the scenes into the working memory, disadvantageously, the
overlaps of the scene numbers could cause overwriting of the existing
scenes stored in the working memory with the additionally read scenes,
resulting in unexpected deletion of the existing scenes stored in the
working memory. On the conventional digital mixer, therefore, in order to
avoid such unexpected deletion of the already read scenes, the user
refrains from additional reading of scenes created on other apparatuses
into the digital mixer.

[0008]On some event lists, furthermore, scenes which are to be recalled
are quite large in number. In order to efficiently create such a large
number of scenes, the workload of creating the necessary scenes could be
shared by some people. Disadvantageously, however, because additional
reading of scenes created on other apparatuses into the conventional
digital mixer is avoided, the workload of creating such a large number of
scenes cannot be shared by some people. If the scenes created separately
by some people on a different digital mixer and a PC were added one after
another to be stored in the conventional digital mixer, there would be a
possibility of overlaps of scene numbers among the scenes. In a case of
an overlap of scene number, such additional reading of a scene having an
overlapping scene number could cause overwriting of a necessary scene
with the additionally read scene, ending up unexpected deletion of the
necessary scene. As described above, the conventional digital mixer is
disadvantageous in that the workload of creating a plurality of scenes
that are to be recalled by an event list cannot be shared by some people.

[0009]The present invention was accomplished to solve the above-described
problem, and an object thereof is to provide an audio apparatus which
enables, even though the audio apparatus has already read a plurality of
setting data sets each formed of a parameter set, additional reading of
different setting data sets into the audio apparatus without overwriting
of any of the already read setting data sets.

[0010]In order to achieve the above-described object, the present
invention provides an audio apparatus comprising a current memory for
storing a parameter set formed of a plurality of parameters; a change
portion for changing a value of a parameter of the parameter set stored
in the current memory in accordance with a request for change; an audio
signal processing portion for processing an input audio signal in
accordance with the parameter set stored in the current memory and
outputting the processed audio signal; a setting data memory for storing
a plurality of setting data sets each having the same configuration as
that of the parameter set and being identified by a unique ID given to
the setting data set; a list memory for storing the plurality of IDs
which identify the setting data sets stored in the setting data memory in
a manner in which the IDs are correlated with data numbers, respectively;
a storage portion for responding to a request for storage with a data
number being specified, the storage portion creating, in a case where an
ID correlated with the specified data number is not stored in the list
memory, a unique ID and storing the parameter set stored in the current
memory in the setting data memory as a setting data set which is to be
identified by the created unique ID as well as storing the created unique
ID in the list memory in a manner in which the ID is correlated with the
specified data number; the storage portion overwriting, in a case where
an ID correlated with the specified data number is stored in the list
memory, the parameter set stored in the current memory with a setting
data set stored in the setting data memory and identified by the ID; and
a call portion for responding to a call request with a data number being
specified, the call portion reading, in a case where an ID correlated
with the specified data number is stored in the list memory, a setting
data set identified by the ID from the setting data memory and
overwriting the parameter set stored in the current memory with the read
setting data set.

[0011]According to the present invention, the identification of setting
data sets by the unique identification information enables additional
reading of setting data sets in addition to existing setting data sets,
without overwriting of the existing setting data sets. Therefore, the
present invention allows some people to share the workload of creating
setting data sets which are to be recalled by an event list, for the
identification of the setting data sets, which are separately created by
the some people, by the unique identification information enables
integration of the separately created setting data sets without
overwriting any setting data sets. Consequently, the present invention
allows some people to share the workload of creating setting data sets
which are to be recalled by an event list.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a block diagram indicating the configuration in which a
personal computer is connected to a digital mixer which is an embodiment
of the audio apparatus of the present invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is an equivalent functional block diagram indicating a
processing algorithm of a signal processing portion and a waveform I/O of
the digital mixer;

[0014]FIG. 3 is a data structure of an S list stored in a working area of
the digital mixer;

[0015]FIG. 4 is a data structure of S data stored in the working area of
the digital mixer;

[0016]FIG. 5 is a data structure of an E list stored in the working area
of the digital mixer;

[0017]FIG. 6 is a data structure of a current memory provided in the
working area of the digital mixer;

[0018]FIG. 7 is a directory structure of a snapshot pool stored in an
external storage medium;

[0019]FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a snapshot list write process executed on
the digital mixer;

[0020]FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a parameter change process executed on the
digital mixer;

[0021]FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a snapshot call process executed on the
digital mixer;

[0022]FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a snapshot recall process executed on the
digital mixer;

[0023]FIG. 12 is a flowchart of a storage process (1) executed on the
digital mixer when the name of a snapshot is designated;

[0024]FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a storage process (2) executed on the
digital mixer when the name of an event is designated;

[0025]FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a snapshot read process A executed on the
digital mixer;

[0026]FIG. 15 a flowchart of a snapshot read process B executed on the
digital mixer;

[0027]FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a snapshot list creation process executed
on the digital mixer;

[0028]FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a snapshot list file new read process
executed on the digital mixer;

[0029]FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a snapshot list file additional read
process executed on the digital mixer;

[0030]FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a snapshot file additional read process
executed on the digital mixer;

[0031]FIG. 20 is a flowchart of an event list file read process executed
on the digital mixer;

[0032]FIG. 21A is a flowchart of an unused snapshot data extraction
process executed on the digital mixer; and

[0033]FIG. 21B is a flowchart of an unused snapshot data deletion process
executed on the digital mixer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0034]FIG. 1 is a block diagram indicating the configuration of a digital
mixer 1 which is an embodiment of the audio apparatus of the present
invention and the configuration of a personal computer (PC) 2 connected
to the digital mixer 1.

[0035]The digital mixer 1 according to the embodiment of the present
invention indicated in FIG. 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)
1-1 which controls the entire operation of the digital mixer 1 and
generates operational signals in accordance with user's manipulations of
controls such as switches, knobs, faders, buttons, mouse and joysticks, a
rewritable nonvolatile flash memory 1-2 which stores operational software
such as a mixing control program executed by the CPU 1-1, and a RAM
(Random Access Memory) 1-3 which functions as a working area for the CPU
1-1 and stores various kinds of data. Because the operational software is
stored in the flash memory 1-2, the digital mixer 1 allows updates of the
operational software by rewriting the operational software stored in the
flash memory 1-2. Furthermore, external storage media such as USB memory
and SD memory are connected to the digital mixer 1 via an external
storage I/O 1-4 which is an input/output interface to store data stored
in the working area of the RAM 1-3 and the like in the external storage
media. To a communications I/O 1-5 which is a communications interface,
in addition, a PC 2 is connected via a communications line.

[0036]A display unit 1-6, which is provided on a panel of the digital
mixer 1, is a touch screen having a display such as liquid crystal
display and matrix switches and the like. A user' manipulation of
depressing an control icon displayed on the display unit 1-6 results in a
change in a parameter value or switching between on and off. Motorized
faders 1-7, which are faders for controlling the level of audio signals
of input channels or output channels, are operated manually or
motor-operated. Controls 1-8 include controls such as switches and knobs
for changing parameters of a selected channel and the like, and controls
such as faders provided on channel strips of the panel. Every input and
every output on the digital mixer 1 is made via a waveform I/O (waveform
data interface) 1-9. The waveform I/O 1-9 has a plurality of A input
ports to which analog signals are input, a plurality of A output ports to
which analog signals are output and a plurality of D input/D output ports
to which digital signals are externally input/output bidirectionally.

[0037]A signal processing portion (DSP) 1-10, which includes a
multiplicity of DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), carries out mixing
processing and effect processing under the control of the CPU 1-1. The
RAM 1-3 is provided with a current memory in its working area to store
respective current values of various parameters for controlling the
mixing processing and effect processing. In accordance with a user's
manipulation of the controls such as switches and knobs, the CPU 1-1
changes a current value of a parameter stored in the current memory, and
controls, in accordance with the current value of the parameter,
coefficients and algorithms used for the mixing processing and the effect
processing performed by the signal processing portion 1-10. Mixing
signals mixed by the signal processing portion 1-10 can be supplied to a
recorder to be stored in the recorder. In addition, mixing signals
reproduced by the recorder can be supplied to the signal processing
portion 1-10. The respective parts are connected to a communications bus
1-11.

[0038]The PC 2 indicated in FIG. 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing
Unit) 2-1 which controls the entire operation of the PC 2, a rewritable
nonvolatile flash memory 2-2 which stores operational software executed
by the CPU 2-1 and various kinds of data, and a RAM 2-3 which functions
as a working area for the CPU 2-1 and stores various kinds of data. A
hard disk of a hard disk drive (HDD) 2-4 stores an operating system (OS)
and application programs such as a mixer control program. To a
communications I/O 2-5 which is a communications interface, the digital
mixer 1 is connected via the communications line. Furthermore, removable
external storage media such as USB memory and SD memory are connected to
the PC 2 via an external storage I/O 2-6 which is an input/output
interface to store data stored in the working area of the RAM 2-3 and the
like in the external storage media. A display unit 2-7 displays a screen
in accordance with a started application to allow user's manipulations on
the screen or various kinds of inputs by use of a keyboard 2-8 and a
mouse 2-9. The respective parts are connected to a communications bus
2-10. By connecting the PC 2 to the digital mixer 1 and executing the
mixing control program, the user is allowed to remote-control the digital
mixer 1 from the PC 2.

[0039]FIG. 2 is an equivalent functional block diagram indicating the
processing algorithm of the signal processing portion 1-10 and the
waveform I/O 1-9 of the digital mixer 1 indicated in FIG. 1 according to
the present invention.

[0040]In FIG. 2, analog signals input to a plurality of analog input ports
(A input) 30 are converted into digital signals by an AD converter
incorporated in the waveform I/O 1-9 to be input to an input patch 32.
Digital signals input to a plurality of digital input ports (D input) 31
are input to the input patch 32 directly. The input patch 32 is allowed
to selectively patch (connect) one of the input ports from which the
signals are input to input channels of an input channel portion 33 having
48 channels, for example. To the respective input channels, signals
transmitted from the respective input ports patched by the input patch 32
are supplied.

[0041]Each input channel of the input channel portion 33 is provided with
an attenuator, an equalizer, a compressor, a gate, a fader, and a send
control portion for controlling the send level to a stereo (ST) bus 34
and mixing (MIX) buses 35. In the respective input channels, the
frequency balance, the level control and the send level to the ST bus 34
and the MIX buses 35 are controlled. The MIX buses 35 have 16 buses (MIX
1 through MIX 16), for example. The digital signals of the 48 channels
output from the input channel portion 33 are selectively output to the ST
bus 34 and one or more of the MIX buses 35. In the ST bus 34, one or more
digital signals selectively input from any of the 48 input channels are
mixed, so that the mixed outputs of the stereo channel are output to an
ST output channel portion 36. In each of the 16 MIX buses 35, one or more
digital signals selectively input from any of the 48 input channels are
mixed, so that the mixed outputs of the 16 channels are output to a MIX
output channel portion 37. As a result, the digital mixer 1 is able to
obtain the stereo output and the 16 different mixed outputs of the 16
channels.

[0042]Each output channel of the ST output channel portion 36 and the MIX
output channel portion 37 is provided with an attenuator, an equalizer, a
compressor, and a fader. In the respective output channels, the frequency
balance, the level control and the send level to an output patch 38 are
controlled. The output patch 38 is allowed to selectively patch (connect)
a channel of the ST output channel portion 36 and the MIX output channel
portion 37 from which the signals are input to output ports of an analog
output port portion (A output) 39 and a digital output port portion (D
output) 40. To the respective output ports, signals transmitted from the
output channels patched by the output patch 38 are supplied.

[0043]Digital output signals supplied to the analog output port portion (A
output) 39 having a plurality of analog output ports are converted into
analog output signals by a DA converter incorporated in the waveform I/O
1-9 to be output from the analog output ports. The analog output signals
output from the analog output port portion (A output) 39 are amplified to
be emitted from main speakers. In addition, the analog output signals are
also supplied to in-ear monitors worn by performers in their ears or
reproduced by stage-monitoring speakers placed near the performers. The
digital audio signals output from the digital output port portion (D
output) 40 having a plurality of digital output ports are supplied to a
recorder, an externally connected DAT, and the like to allow digital
recording.

[0044]The signal processing portion 1-10 of the digital mixer 1 processes
signals in accordance with parameter sets formed of signal processing
parameters provided for the input channels and output channels by use of
the controls 1-8 such as the faders, knobs and switches provided on the
panel. In order to emit audio outputs supplied from the digital mixer 1
as tones, more specifically, audio settings are to be provided in
accordance with the parameter sets. In the present invention, the audio
settings which are to be provided are referred to as snapshots whereas
the parameter sets which realize the snapshots are referred to as S data
(snapshot data). The snapshots are equivalent to scenes of conventional
digital mixers. The S data is also used as setting data for signal
processing done by the digital mixer 1. By identifying a snapshot and
recalling the snapshot, S data of the identified snapshot is read out to
allow the digital mixer 1 to reproduce the audio settings specified by
the S data. Consequently, the digital mixer 1 is able to reproduce
various snapshots that the user has once set such as conference rooms,
banquet halls, mini theaters and multi-purpose halls.

[0045]As data areas for storing data on snapshots, the working area of the
RAM 1-3 has an S list area for storing data on an S list (snapshot list)
and an S data area for storing S data sets (snapshot data sets) which are
substantial data of all snapshots listed in the S list. In addition, the
working area of the RAM 1-3 may also have an E list area for storing data
on an E list (event list). FIG. 3 indicates the data structure of the S
list which lists a plurality of snapshots. As indicated in FIG. 3, the S
list, which is provided with a filename (SLFN) of the S list, is formed
of a header and a plurality of list data sets (SLDs) each storing
information on a snapshot. The header stores information on the name of
the S list (SLN) and the last number (Ns) of the SLDs which can be listed
in the S list. Each SLD listed in the S list has an SLD number (num), an
SID (snapshot ID) which is unique identification information (ID) for
identifying the snapshot, and other data (OD). For example, the number
(num) of the list data for SLD--02 is "2", whereas its unique SID is
SID--02, with the other data OD being OD--02. In the shown
example, the S list has a plurality of list data sets, SLD--01,
SLD--02, SLD--05, SLD--06, . . . , SLD_Es. In order to add
an SLD to the S list, the user designates an unused number.
Alternatively, a number is automatically provided to add the SLD to the S
list. This embodiment defines the relationship between Ns and Es as
Ns≧Es, also defining OD as additional data.

[0046]As indicated in FIG. 4, the plurality of S data sets SD-1, SD-2, . .
. , SD-E are stored in the S data area. FIG. 4 indicates the data
structure of the S data set. Each S data set is formed of a freely given
filename (SFN) of the S data, a header and a parameter set. The header
stores information on the name of a snapshot (SN) and an SID. The
parameter set is setting data for signal processing done by the digital
mixer 1. The S data is substantial data of the snapshot. All the S data
sets identified by the STDs stored in the respective SLDs listed in the S
list are stored in the S data area. In this case, because each SLD stores
information on one snapshot, the S data area stores the same number of S
data sets as the SLDs. The respective S data sets can be identified by
the SID stored in the respective headers of the S data sets. By
designating an SID to recall a snapshot, more specifically, the S data
set having the designated SID is read out, so that the parameter set of
the read S data is provided for the current memory. As a result, the
digital mixer 1 is allowed to reproduce the snapshot corresponding to the
parameter set. Each time a snapshot is created, a unique SID is given to
the snapshot, by a known method, by using an apparatus ID of an apparatus
with which a parameter set of the snapshot has been generated, a MAC
address, date of generation, a username, random numbers and the like.

[0047]Furthermore, the digital mixer 1 of the present invention has an
event list function. The E list area of the working area stores an E list
which is an event list storing sets each having an event indicating a
snapshot identified by the SID of the snapshot which is to be recalled
when a trigger condition is satisfied and an event number indicative of
the order in which the event is carried out. In accordance with the E
list, parameter sets of snapshots recalled with the passage of time are
sequentially set on the digital mixer 1, so that the recalled snapshots
are sequentially reproduced.

[0048]FIG. 5 indicates the data structure of the E list. As indicated in
FIG. 5, the E list, which is given a filename (ELFN) thereof, is formed
of a header and list data sets (ELDs) on events. The header stores
information on the name of the E list (ELN) and the last number (Ne) of
ELDs which can be listed in the E list. Each ELD listed in the E list
includes a number (num) of the ELD, an event name (EN), an SID for
identifying S data recalled by the event, trigger data (TD) for
controlling execution timing and the like of the recalled event, and
other data (OD). For example, the number (num) provided for ELD--03
of the event list is "3". The event name, EN is EN--03. The SID used
for recall is SID--03. The trigger data, TD is TD--03. The
other data, OD is OD--03. In a case where the TD--03 is time
information, when the time reaches TD--03, the S data identified by
the SID--03 is recalled, so that the parameter set of the S data is
provided for the current memory to reproduce the recalled snapshot. In
the shown example, the E list has ELDs of ELD--01, ELD--03,
ELD--04, ELD--06, . . . , ELD_Ee. In order to add an ELD to the
E list, the user designates an unused number. Alternatively, a number is
automatically provided to add the ELD to the E list. This embodiment
defines the relationship between Ne and Ee as Ne≧Ee, also defining
OD as control data. The E list is designed to correspond to the S list
stored in the S data area. More specifically, all the S data sets which
can be identified by the SIDs included in the events of the E list are
stored in the S data area.

[0049]Furthermore, a working memory provided in the RAM 1-3 has a current
memory area. FIG. 6 indicates the data structure of the current memory.
As indicated in FIG. 6, the current memory stores a parameter set and
other data in use currently set on the digital mixer 1.

[0050]Data identical to the S list, E list and plurality of S data sets
which are the data on the snapshots stored in the RAM 1-3 are also stored
in a storage area of a storage medium accessible by the digital mixer 1.
In this case, the identical data may be stored in a storage medium such
as Compact Flash, SD Card, USB memory and optical disk or in a storage
medium of a networked PC, file server, PDA, web server or the like. An
example directory structure of a snapshot pool created in such a storage
medium is indicated in FIG. 7. In the example indicated in FIG. 7, the
lower hierarchy of a root is provided with three group folders, G1, G2,
G3, for example, as folders for storing data on the snapshot. Each of the
group folders G1, G2, G3, which is a snapshot file, stores an E list file
(ELF), an S list file (SLF) and a plurality of snapshot files (SFs) which
are files storing S data. In this case, either SLF or ELF may be stored.
Each group folder stores SFs of all the S data sets identified by the
SIDs stored in the SLDs of the S list or by the SIDs stored in the ELDs
of the E list.

[0051]In the directory structure indicated in FIG. 7, when a snapshot
stored in the folder G2 is designated to be added to the folder G1, for
example, a new SLD having the SID which identifies the snapshot is added
to the S list of the folder G1. However, the SF of the S data set which
is the substantial data of the added snapshot will not be added to the
folder G1. In order to read out the S data set, the SF stored in the
folder G2 is referred to so that the S data set can be read out. In a
case where the S list of the folder G1 is stored in the storage medium,
the S list file and files of all the S data sets listed in the S list
including the snapshot which has been added from the folder G2 are stored
in the storage medium. Furthermore, when the S list stored in the RAM 1-3
has been updated, for example, an S list of an SLF which is stored in the
storage medium and corresponds to the updated S list is also updated.
Furthermore, when a new S data set is stored in the S data area of the
RAM 1-3, the SF of the new S data set is stored in the storage medium as
well. As described above, when data stored in the S list area (E list
area) or the S data area of the RAM 1-3 is updated, corresponding data
stored in the storage medium is also updated to synchronize data between
the RAM 1-3 and the storage medium, so that both the RAM 1-3 and the
storage medium can store the same data.

[0052]On the digital mixer 1 according to the present invention, by user's
manipulation of the control 1-8 such as the knob control and fader, a
parameter of a channel to which the manipulated control 1-8 is assigned
is changed. The changed parameter is regarded as an applicable parameter
of those stored in the current memory, so that the parameter set stored
in the current memory is updated. When the user finishes the control of
the parameter, and demands to store the parameter set stored in the
current memory as a new snapshot, a unique ID is generated as an SID for
identifying the new snapshot, so that a new SLD having the SID is listed
in the S list. Concurrently, an S data set formed of the parameter set
stored in the current memory and the generated SID is stored in the S
data area. As explained above, when the user edits/generates a snapshot
and stores it in the digital mixer 1, the snapshot is listed in the S
list, with the S data of the snapshot being stored in the S data area.

[0053]On the digital mixer 1, furthermore, when the user demands to
additionally read an SLF stored in the storage medium, the S list of the
SLF is temporarily read into the S list area of the RAM 1-3. Of the S
data identified by the SIDs stored in the respective SLDs of the
additionally read S list, only S data which has not been read into the S
data area is additionally read into the S data area. In this case, the SF
of the additionally read S data as well as the SLF has been stored in the
storage medium. Because every SID is unique, the additional reading of
the S data does not involve overwriting of already-existing S data but
results in an addition of the S data, for any SIDs are not shared by S
data sets. In a case where the additionally read S list has an SLD which
is not included in the already-existing S list, a new SLD having the SID
and OD of the SLD of the additionally read S list is added to the
existing S list. After such processing, the temporarily read S list is
deleted from the S list area. As explained above, the digital mixer 1
according to the present invention is able to add a snapshot generated in
a different apparatus by additionally reading an S list of an SLF which
stores the snapshot.

[0054]On the PC 2, furthermore, the user is allowed to designate one of
the snapshots stored in the RAM 1-3 of the digital mixer 1 or in the
storage medium through the communications I/O 2-5 and the communications
I/O 1-5 connected by the communications line to read the designated
snapshot into the PC 2 to edit the snapshot. The designation of the
snapshot is done by designating a user's desired SLD included in the S
list or a user's desired ELD included in the E list. The parameter set of
the S data identified by the SID stored in the designated SLD or ELD is
read into the current memory of the RAM 2-3 of the PC 2. The designation
of the snapshot can be also done by directly designating a user's desired
S data set. In this case as well, the parameter set of the designated S
data set is read into the current memory of the PC 2. For editing of the
snapshot, the user changes parameters of the parameter set stored in the
current memory by using the mixer control application.

[0055]Once the user has installed the mixer control application capable of
off-line editing of snapshots on the PC 2, the user is able to
edit/generate a snapshot off-line without connecting the PC 2 to the
digital mixer 1 by changing the parameters that configure the snapshot by
use of the mixer control application. When the edited parameter set of
the current memory is stored in the S data area of the RAM 2-3 of the PC
2 as S data of a new snapshot, the SF of this S data is stored in a
storage medium such as a USB memory or the HDD 2-4. In this case, a
unique ID is generated as an SID for identifying the new snapshot, so
that the S data formed of the SID and the parameter set is to be stored.
Concurrently, a new SLD having the generated SID is to be added to the S
list.

[0056]The S list to which the SLD has been added is also stored in the
storage medium. By connecting the PC 2 to the digital mixer 1 or
attaching the storage medium to the external storage I/O 1-4 of the
digital mixer 1 afterward, the data on the snapshot such as the S list
and the S data edited on the PC 2 is written into the digital mixer 1. As
a result, the snapshot edited/generated on the PC 2 can be realized on
the digital mixer 1.

[0057]FIG. 8 indicates a flowchart of a write process executed when the
user designates a list name SLN (or ELN) of an S list (or E list) and
demands writing of the S list (or E list). Data contained in the list is
to be written into the storage medium.

[0058]When the user designates a list name and demands to write the list,
the write process is started. In step S10, a sub-folder for a designated
filename is created in a target folder of the storage medium in which the
S list (or E list) of the designated list name is to be stored. As the
target folder, the user is allowed to select an existing folder or a
newly created folder provided in the storage medium to write the list.
Into the created sub-folder, in step S11, all the S data sets identified
by the SIDs stored in the S list (or E list) having the designated list
name are written as SFs. In addition, the designated S list (or E list)
is written into the sub-folder as an SLF (or ELF) to terminate the write
process. By this write process, as described above, the SLF (or ELF) and
the SFs of all the S data sets identified by the SIDs stored in the SLDs
of the S list (or ELDs of the E list) of this file are written into the
sub-folder of the storage medium. In a case where the storage medium is a
removable memory such as a USB memory, the user is able to transfer
snapshots created/edited on the PC 2 or a digital mixer to reproduce the
snapshots on another digital mixer by removing the storage medium and
attaching the storage medium to the another digital mixer.

[0059]FIG. 9 indicates a flowchart of a parameter change process executed
when the user manipulates the motorized fader 1-7 or the control 1-8 such
as a knob capable of changing a parameter provided on the panel of the
digital mixer 1.

[0060]When the control capable of changing a parameter is manipulated, the
parameter change process is started. In step S20, a manipulated value
changed by use of the control is stored as a manipulated value "val" in a
register. In step S21, a value of a parameter which is included in a
parameter set in use stored in the current memory and is assigned to the
manipulated control 1-8 is changed according to the manipulated value
"val". After step S21, the parameter change process terminates. Although
the parameter set whose parameter value has been changed is allowed to be
stored as an S data set which realizes a new snapshot, a flowchart of
such processing will be described later.

[0061]FIG. 10 indicates a flowchart of a call process executed when the
user designates the nth SLID of an S list to demand to "call" the SLD.

[0062]When the user designates the nth SLD of the S list to demand "call",
the call process is started. In step S30, the nth SLD_n of the S list
designated for call is referred to, so that the SLD_n stored in the SLD_n
is stored as identification information SID in a register. In step S31,
an S data set identified by the identification information SID is read
out, so that a parameter set of the current memory is overwritten with a
parameter set of the read S data set. As a result, the parameter set of a
snapshot corresponding to the called SLD_n is provided for the current
memory, so that the digital mixer 1 is able to reproduce the snapshot
stored in the nth SLID of the S list. After step S31, the call process
terminates.

[0063]FIG. 11 indicates a flowchart of a snapshot recall process executed
when a trigger condition of TD_n stored in an ELD_n of the ELDs of an E
list is satisfied.

[0064]When the satisfaction of the trigger condition TD_n of the ELD_n is
detected, the recall process is started. In step S40, the ELD_n whose
trigger condition has been met is referred to, so that the SID_n stored
in the ELD_n is stored as identification information SID in a register.
In step S41, an S data set identified by the identification information
SID is read out to overwrite a parameter set stored in the current memory
with a parameter set of the read S data set. In step S42, other processes
are executed on the basis of OD_n stored in the ELD_n. As a result, a
snapshot identified by the SID_n stored in the ELD_n whose trigger
condition has been met is recalled, so that the digital mixer 1
reproduces the snapshot. After step S42, the recall process terminates.
In a case where TD_n is time information, the trigger condition is to be
satisfied when the time reaches TD_n. In a case where TD_n is manual, the
trigger condition is to be satisfied when a trigger button is depressed.

[0065]FIG. 12 indicates a flowchart of a storage process (1) executed when
the user designates the nth SLD of an S list and the name of a snapshot
(SN) to "store" the snapshot.

[0066]When the user designates the nth SLD of an S list and the name of a
snapshot (SN) to demand "store", the storage process (1) is started to
determine in step S50 whether the snapshot having the designated SN is a
new one or not. If it is determined that the snapshot of the designated
SN is a new one because the SN is not stored in the RAM 1-3, the process
proceeds to step S51 to create an area for the designated SN in the S
data area of the RAM 1-3. In step S52, a unique ID is generated to store
the generated ID in a register as an SID. In step S53, a filename SFN
which is not identical to any of the existing filenames is provided, so
that a vacant S file (SF) for the provided SFN is created in the storage
medium. In step S54, a new SLD_n having the SID stored in the register is
added to the S list as the nth SLD. In step S55, a parameter set stored
in the current memory is given the SID stored in the register to write
the parameter set as the S data of the new snapshot into the S data area
created in the RAM 1-3 in step S51 and the vacant SF created in the
storage medium in step S53. The SN of the S data is the designated SN.
When a parameter set edited in the current memory is to be stored as a
new snapshot, as described above, a new SID for identifying the new
snapshot is created, so that an SLD corresponding to the snapshot and
having the SID is added to the S list. In addition, the parameter set
stored in the current memory is given the created SID to be written into
the S data area of the RAM 1-3 as an S data set of the new snapshot, with
an SF of the S data set being written into the storage medium.

[0067]When it is determined in step S50 that there exists a snapshot
having the designated snapshot name, the process proceeds to step S56 to
refer to the nth SLD_n stored in the S list to store the SID_n of the
SLD_n as an SID in the register. Then, the process proceeds to step S55
to overwrite a parameter set of S data stored in the RAM 1-3 identified
by the SID of the register and to overwrite a parameter set of an SF
which is identified by the SID stored in the register and is stored in
the storage medium with the parameter set stored in the current memory.
In a case where the snapshot which is to be stored is not new, as
described above, the respective parameter sets of the S data stored in
the RAM 1-3 having the designated snapshot name and the SF stored in the
storage medium are replaced with the edited parameter set stored in the
current memory. After step S55, the storage process (1) terminates.

[0068]FIG. 13 indicates a flowchart of a storage process (2) executed when
the user designates the nth ELD of an E list and the name of an event
(EN) to demand "store".

[0069]When the user designates the nth ELD of an E list and an event name
(EN) to demand "store", the storage process (2) is started to determine
in step S60 whether an event having the designated event name EN is a new
one or not. If it is determined that the event name EN is a new one
because the event having the designated EN is not stored in the E list,
the process proceeds to step S61 to create an area for an S data set
having a snapshot name (SN) which is the designated EN in the S data area
of the RAM 1-3. In step S62, a unique ID is generated to store the
generated ID in a register as an SID. In step S63, a filename SFN which
is not identical to any of the existing filenames is provided, so that a
vacant S file (SF) for the provided SFN is created in the storage medium.
In step S64, an unused number of the S list is retrieved automatically or
by user's selection to be stored as a number "m" in the register. In step
S65, a new SLD_m of the number "m" having the SID stored in the register
generated in step S62 is added to the S list as the mth SLD. In step S66,
an ELD_n whose event name is the designated EN and which has the SID of
the register is added to the nth ELD of the E list. In step S67, a
parameter set stored in the current memory is given the SID stored in the
register, so that the parameter set is written as the S data of the
snapshot corresponding to the new event into the area created in the S
data area of the RAM 1-3 in step S61 and the vacant SF created in the
storage medium in step S63. The SN of the S data is the designated EN.
Consequently, when a trigger condition of the ELD_n to which the snapshot
identified by the created SID is added is satisfied, the snapshot is to
be recalled. When the new event is to be stored, the S data of the
snapshot which is to be recalled by the new event is written into the S
data area of the RAM 1-3, with the S data being written into the storage
medium as an SF.

[0070]If it is determined in step S60 that there exists an event having
the designated event name, the process proceeds to step S68 to refer to
the designated nth ELD_n of the E list to store the SID_n of the ELD_n as
an SID in the register. Then, the process proceeds to step S67 to
overwrite a parameter set of S data stored in the RAM 1-3 and identified
by the SID of the register and to overwrite an SF stored in the storage
medium and identified by the SID of the register with the parameter set
stored in the current memory. In a case where the event which is to be
stored is not new, as described above, the respective parameter sets of
the S data which is stored in the RAM 1-3 and has the designated event
name and the SF stored in the storage medium are replaced with the edited
parameter set stored in the current memory. After step S68, the storage
process (2) terminates.

[0071]FIG. 14 indicates a flowchart of a read process A executed when the
user designates an SF of a plurality of S files (SFs) stored in the
storage medium to demand "read".

[0072]When the user designates an SF to demand "read", the read process A
is started. In step S70, an unused number of the S list stored in the S
list area of the RAM 1-3 is retrieved automatically or by user's
selection to be stored in a register as a number "n". In step S71, an
area for an S data set is created in the S data area of the RAM 1-3, so
that the S data set of the SF which has been demanded to "read" is read
into the created area of the S data area. The SFN of the read S data is
the SFN of the designated SF. In step S72, a new SLD_n having the SID
included in the header of the read S data is added to the S list of the
RAM 1-3 as the nth SLD, so that the S list is updated. After S72, the
read process A terminates. As described above, the read process A is a
process for additionally reading a snapshot by adding the S data of a
designated snapshot to the S data area of the RAM 1-3. By the read
process A, more specifically, the SLD having the SID which identifies the
added snapshot is also added to the S list to update the S list.

[0073]FIG. 15 indicates a flowchart of a read process B executed when the
user designates a plurality of SFs stored in the storage medium to demand
"read", with the order in which the SFs are read also being designated.

[0074]When the user designates a plurality of SFs and the order in which
the SFs are read to demand "read", the read process B is started. In step
S80, the first S file (SF) is designated on the basis of the designated
order of reading. In step S81, the above-described read process A is
executed to add the S data of the first SF to the S data area of the RAM
1-3 to read the S data, with the SLD having the SID which identifies the
added S data being added to the S list. In step S82, the next S file (SF)
is designated. In step S83, it is determined whether any of the
designated SFs is unprocessed. If it is determined that there is such an
unprocessed SF, the process returns to step S81 to add S data of the SF
defined on the basis of the order designated in step S82 to the S data
area of the RAM 1-3, with the SLD having the SID which identifies the
added S data being added to the S list. Until it is determined in step
S83 that there are no unprocessed SF, Steps S81 and S82 are repeated so
that the S data of the designated SFs can be read into the S data area of
the RAM 1-3 in the designated order of reading. When it is determined in
step S83 that there is no unprocessed SF designated in step S82, the read
process B terminates. By the read process B, as described above, the S
data of a plurality of snapshots designated as SFs is added to the S data
area of the RAM 1-3, with a plurality of SLDs having SIDs which identify
the respective added snapshots being added to the S list to update the S
list.

[0075]As described above, the read process B is a process for additionally
reading a plurality of snapshots. More specifically, respective S data
sets of the designated snapshots are added to the S data area of the RAM
1-3 one by one by repeatedly executing the read process A. During the
read process B, the S list is updated by the addition of the SLDs having
the SIDs which identify the added snapshots, respectively, to the S list.

[0076]FIG. 16 indicates a flowchart of a new creation process executed
when the user designates a name of an S list to demand "new creation".

[0077]When the user designates the SLN of an S list to demand "new
creation", the new creation process is started. In step S90, the entire S
data area is released, so that all the S data sets are cleared, with the
S list and the E list being cleared. In step S91, vacant S list and E
list having the designated name are created in the RAM 1-3. In step S92,
a folder having the designated name is created in the storage medium, so
that the vacant S list file (SLF) and the vacant E list file (ELF)
created in step S91 are stored in the folder in step S93. After step S93,
the new creation process terminates.

[0078]By the new creation process, as described above, all the data on
snapshots stored in the RAM 1-3 is deleted, so that the S list and E list
are also emptied. In the storage medium, furthermore, a folder is created
to store the SLF of the vacant S list and the ELF of the vacant E list in
the folder. Into the vacant S list and the vacant E list, separately
created S list and E list may be read, respectively.

[0079]FIG. 17 indicates a flowchart of a new read process executed when
the user designates one of the SLFs stored in the storage medium to
demand "newly read".

[0080]When the user designates an SLF stored in the storage medium to
demand "newly read", the new read process is started. In step S100, the
entire S data area of the RAM 1-3 is released, so that all the S data
sets are cleared, with the S list and E list being cleared. In step S101,
the S list of the designated SLF is read into the RAM 1-3 from the
storage medium, so that the read S list is designated as a current S
list. In step S102, the E list of the ELF corresponding to the designated
SLF is read into the RAM 1-3 from the storage medium, so that the read E
list is designated as a current E list. In step S103, the order in which
all the S data sets stored in respective SLDs of the current S list
designated in step S101 are read is determined. The order of the reading
can be determined according to the date and time of creation of the S
data, the SFN, SN or the like. In step S104, the read process B is
carried out in the determined order of the reading, so that all the S
data sets listed in the S list are sequentially read into the released S
data area of the RAM 1-3. When all the S data sets have been read, step
S104 finishes, so that the new read process terminates.

[0081]By the newly reading of the SLF, as described above, all the data
stored in the S data area of the RAM 1-3 is deleted, so that all the S
data corresponding to the newly read S list is read into the S data area.

[0082]FIG. 18 indicates a flowchart of an additional read process (1)
executed when the user designates an SLF stored in the storage medium to
demand "additionally read".

[0083]When the user designates an SLF stored in the storage medium to
demand "additionally read", the additional read process (1) is started.
In step S110, the S list of the designated SLF is read into the RAM 1-3.
In step S111, it is checked whether all the S data sets identified by the
SIDs stored in the SLDs of the read S list have been read into the S data
area of the RAM 1-3. In step S112, it is determined whether the check of
step S111 results in that the reading of the S data sets has been
completed or not. If it is determined that the reading has been
completed, the additional read process (1) immediately terminates. If it
is determined in step S112 that the reading has not been completed, the
process proceeds to step S113 to determine, on the basis of the
designated SLF, the order in which the S data sets which have not been
read yet is read. The order of the reading can be determined according to
the date and time of creation of the S data, the SFN, SN or the like. In
step S114, the read process B is carried out in the determined order of
the reading, so that the S data sets which have not been read yet are
sequentially read from their SFs of the storage medium into the S data
area of the RAM 1-3, with SLDs having the SIDs identifying the respective
read S data being added to the S list. When all the S data sets have been
read, step S114 finishes, so that the additional read process (1)
terminates.

[0084]As described above, when the S list is additionally read, the S data
sets of the snapshots listed in the additionally read S list are also
additionally read automatically.

[0085]FIG. 19 indicates a flowchart of an additional read process (2)
executed when the user designates a plurality of SFs stored in the
storage medium as files or a folder/folders to demand "additionally
read".

[0086]When the user designates a plurality of SFs stored in the storage
medium to demand "additionally read", the additional read process (2) is
started. In step 120, it is checked whether all the S data sets of the
designated SFs have been already read into the S data area of the RAM
1-3. In step S121, it is determined whether the check of step S120
results in that the reading of the S data has been completed or not. If
it is determined that the reading has been completed, the additional read
process (2) immediately terminates. If it is determined in step S121 that
the reading has not been completed, the process proceeds to step S122 to
determine, according to the date and time of creation of the S data, the
SFN, SN or the like, the order in which the S data sets of the designated
SFs which have not been read yet are read. In step S123, the read process
B is carried out in the determined order of the reading, so that the S
data sets which have not been read yet are sequentially read into the S
data area of the RAM 1-3, with SLDs having the SIDs identifying the
respective read S data sets being added to the S list. When all the S
data sets which had not been read have been read, step S123 finishes, so
that the additional read process (2) terminates.

[0087]As described above, when a plurality of snapshots are to be
additionally read, SLDs having SIDs identifying S data sets of the
additionally read snapshots are additionally read into the S list
automatically.

[0088]FIG. 20 indicates a flowchart of an ELF read process executed when
the user designates an ELF stored in the storage medium to demand "read".

[0089]When the user designates an ELF stored in the storage medium to
demand "read", the ELF read process is started. In step S130, the E list
of the designated ELF is read into the RAM 1-3, so that the read E list
is designated as a current E list. In a case where the RAM 1-3 has
already had an E list, the existing E list is cleared. In step S131, it
is checked whether all the S data sets identified by the SIDs stored in
the ELDs of the read E list have been already read or not. In step S132,
it is determined whether the check of step S131 results in that the
reading of the S data has been completed or not. If it is determined that
the reading has been completed, the ELF read process immediately
terminates. If it is determined in step S132 that the reading has not
been completed, the process proceeds to step S133 to determine, on the
basis of the read E list, the order in which the S data sets which have
not been read yet are read. The order of the reading can be determined
according to the date and time of creation of the S data, the SFN, SN or
the like. In step S134, the read process B is carried out in the
determined order of the reading, so that the S data sets which have not
been read yet are sequentially read from corresponding SFs of the storage
medium into the S data area of the RAM 1-3, with SLDs having the SIDs
identifying the respective read S data sets being added to the S list.
When all the S data sets which had not been read have been read, step
S134 finishes, so that the ELF read process terminates.

[0090]When an E list is to be newly read, as described above, in a case
where snapshots indicated by the events listed in the newly read E list
have not been read yet, the S data sets of the unread snapshots are also
read.

[0092]When the user designates "extraction of unused S data", the unused S
data extraction process is started. In step S140, from among S data sets
read into the S data area of the RAM 1-3, S data sets which are not used
in the E list are extracted. In step S141, a list of unused S data sets
is displayed. The unused S data list is a list of S data sets of
snapshots which are not designated by any of the events listed in the E
list. After step S141, the S data extraction process terminates.

[0093]FIG. 21B indicates a flowchart of an S data deletion process
executed when the user designates an S data set on the unused S data list
to demand "delete".

[0094]When the user designates an S data set on the unused S data list to
demand "delete", the S data deletion process is started. In step S150,
the storage area of the RAM 1-3 provided for the designated S data set
and the storage area of the storage medium provided for the SF of the
designated S data set are released. In step S151, the designated S data
set is deleted from the S lists stored in the RAM 1-3 and the storage
medium, respectively. More specifically, the SLD having the SID of the
designated S data set is deleted. After step S151, the S data deletion
process terminates.

[0095]By periodically executing the S data extraction process and the S
data deletion process, unnecessary data can be deleted efficiently from
the RAM 1-3 and the storage medium.

[0096]According to the above-described present invention, in a case where
the workload of creating a plurality snapshots is shared by some people,
the separately created snapshots can be brought together by additionally
reading an S list by the additional read process (1) or by additionally
reading snapshots by the additional read process (2). When the separately
created snapshots are brought together, the respective S data sets of all
the snapshots listed in the S list are read into the RAM. In other words,
the S list is updated so that the S list can store all the snapshots
created separately by the some people, with all the S data sets of the
snapshots being read into the S data area of the RAM. Even in a case
where the E list requires recalling of a large number of snapshots,
therefore, the workload of creating the snapshots can be shared by some
people.

[0097]According to the present invention, furthermore, S data of an
existing snapshot can be partially combined with S data of a snapshot
which is to be added to create a new snapshot. In addition, the present
invention enables creation of an E list by using both existing snapshots
and added snapshots. In this case, the E list stores SIDs each indicative
of a snapshot in a manner in which the SIDs are correlated with event
numbers. Because each SID provided for each snapshot is a unique ID,
there is no possibility of a wrong snapshot being designated. In a case
where an S data set indicated by an SID of an event listed in the E list
has not been read into the S data area of the RAM, furthermore, a message
indicative of absence of the S data set in the S data area is displayed.
In such a case, even if the event is to be reproduced, any snapshots will
not be recalled.

[0098]The present invention is applied not only to the digital mixer but
also to various audio apparatuses having a DSP for processing audio
signals such as effectors and digital amplifiers.